Thursday, October 21, 2010

How about this cover for ENEMY GAMES, Marcella Burnard’s second urban fantasy science fiction romance? Thanks to the author’s generosity, we’re getting a very early sneak peek at the cover.

Naturally, I was very excited to see the cover, because it means we’re that much closer to another mainstream print SFR being on shelves. My first reaction, though, was wow, Berkley Sensation really wants readers to believe this is an urban fantasy at first glance because urban fantasy is hot right now. Makes sense, right? Sales should be strong and robust.

* At least the heroine isn’t sporting a tat, which is one of the big codes for UF

Is the cover for ENEMY GAMES a cause for celebration? Frankly, I’m torn. As we well know, science fiction romance authors are no strangers to publisher attempts at disguising the subgenre. It’s one of those “that’s the reality of publishing” situations. On the other hand, sacrifices have to be made in order to draw new readers to what is still a niche subgenre. If an urban fantasy cover helps sales, who am I to complain?

But the cover for ENEMY GAMES so blatantly screams urban fantasy that I must question what will be accomplished by such skullduggery. The last thing we want is a bunch of upset urban fantasy readers who might otherwise have given science fiction romance a try without such obvious lure tactics. Unless, of course, those same readers come and tell us that their expectations are simply for a good story, regardless of whatever subgenre is between the covers.

Uh, right.

On a related note, Smart Bitches recently had a post (Poll: When the Cover Matches the Contents) on the cover-story disconnect. In that thread, readers were primarily discussing how the cover models frequently look differently than the characters. In the case of ENEMY GAMES, seems like the entire subgenre is off. Perhaps someone didn’t get the memo that the story is a science fiction romance. Either that, or something was lost in translation. Take a look at the background: I’d be surprised if the story takes place anywhere inside an abandoned warehouse.

Still, I appreciate the fact that there’s not a half-naked, headless hero on the cover. Even though the art department seems to have traded paranormal romance for urban fantasy, at least the weapon is a step in the right direction. And despite everything, I’m definitely excited about starting this series.

That’s my take on the subject. What’s yours?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

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About Me: Heather travels the sea of stars for news about science fiction romance. She's also an author in the genre. To get in touch, you can email her, or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

About Me

Heather’s debut sci-fi romance novel, Once Upon a Time in Space, features the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus on a desperate quest to find a new world. Standing in his way is Raquel, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.